Your cut-out-and-keep guide to tonight’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy draw!
We’ll be off to Accrington, Blackpool, Wigan or Wrexham at the start of December
Friday 24 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Salford – Tuesday 28 November, 7.45pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Newport – Saturday 25 November, 3pm
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when the Football League puts together a daft draw for the next round of the Pizza Car Cup (there’s really no need for it to be live on Sky Sports News and there’s absolutely no need for the teams to be split into eight different pots), write a daft article making out that tonight’s draw is a lot more important than it actually is.
There’s some interesting options in there to be fair. I don’t think many of us want Accrington, as we only played there eight weeks ago, but another chapter in our recent rivalry with Wrexham could be fun, and it’s two decades since we’ve enjoyed the delights of Blackpool or Wigan. The round of 32 in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy really isn’t something to get too excited about, but I’ve enjoyed having a catch-up with Jane Stuart, Martin Tarbuck and Tim Edwards. We’ll know whether we’re off to Lancashire or North Wales later today.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Kingsway Carpets. As always, a big thank you to Neil.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £1,017
Total completed streets so far: 24 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
Accrington
This season: 7th in League Two
Average attendance: 2,720
Pizza Car Cup attendances: 888 v Carlisle / 687 v Forest’s kids
Accrington’s best run: Semi-finals last season
County’s last visit: Win number four of this incredible run we’re currently on, back in September, with Tanto, Collar and Barry securing a comfortable 3-1 victory
Played for both: Sean McConville, Ben Barclay, Graham Branch, Paul Cook, Carl Ikeme
The locals love: Milk and mud
Top story in the local news this morning: “Crowd goes wild for Junior Andre’s surprise at Christmas lights switch on”
Blackpool
This season: 8th in League One
Average attendance: 10,627
Pizza Car Cup attendances: 2,683 v Liverpool’s kids / 1,829 v Morecambe
Blackpool’s best run: Winners in 2002 and 2004
County’s last visit: A deceiving 4-0 win (Jackman, Feeney, Beckett 2) under McIlroy in August 2004 before we went on to finish bottom of League One
Played for both: Tony Ellis, Mark Halstead, Rickie Lambert, Andy Preece, Scott Quigley
The locals love: Crack and candy floss
Top story in the local news this morning: “Details emerge for a new road to ease congestion at Blackpool Airport”
5️⃣ questions with Jane Stuart, editor of Now That’s What I Call Progress
Who do you want in the draw – County, Barnsley, Lincoln or Burton?
I think the right answer here is County, because we haven’t played you for years. We’re ALWAYS drawing Barnsley in cups. I do have a soft spot for Lincoln, though.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how seriously are Blackpool taking the Pizza Car Cup this season?
I think 2.5 as we’re basically giving the kids a runout. That said, we have won all our games and look good in the competition.
What’s the weather going to be like at Bloomfield Road on a Wednesday night in December?
Let’s just say I recommend thermal vest, thermal long johns, thermal waterproof trousers, two pairs of socks, fleece lined boots, jumper, fleece, bodywarmer, big coat, hat, scarf and gloves. Basically the same as Edgeley Park on a Friday night (I have a long memory).
Where would be the best place for County fans to get a pint and some grub on a Wednesday night in Blackpool?
Abingdon Street Market is a good shout for scran and beer. I’d direct the real ale drinkers to Cask & Tap (close to the excellent Yorkshire Fisheries) or No 10 Alehouse (close to the excellent Saddle Chippy).
Where will you be watching the draw tonight?
I’ll be on the lash in Portsmouth ahead of Saturday’s match so will be relying on my Twitter feed to keep me updated.
Wigan
This season: 18th in League One (would be 9th without their points deduction)
Average attendance: 9,541
Pizza Car Cup attendances: 2,073 v Leicester’s kids / 1,600 v Fleetwood
Wigan’s best run: Winners in 1985 and 1999
County’s last visit: We’ve only been to Wigan’s new place once – a 2-1 Second Division defeat in October 2002 after Beckett had given us an early lead
Played for both: Simon Farnworth, Nick Powell, Stuart Barlow, Tony Dinning, Eric Nixon
The locals love: Pies and piers
Top story in the local news this morning: “Wigan looking after more lone asylum-seeking children”
5️⃣ questions with Martin Tarbuck, editor of Mudhutter
Who do you want in the draw – County, Barnsley, Lincoln or Burton?
Is this a loaded question? Of that list, I think it'd have to be County as it's a bit of a local derby and we've not played each other for a while. Of the rest, only Barnsley would really muster any enthusiasm. We've a fairly unhealthy schadenfreude based rivalry with Barnsley these days, starting from them laughing at us nearly going bust when they stayed up at our expense, whilst 75 ordinary folk got made redundant. Their official site claimed a "great escape" but they only stayed up because we got a 12-point deduction because our shifty far east owner decided to unceremoniously chuck us in the bin. We played them early season in the league and they only brought a few hundred, so I don't expect much from them. Other than vague statements, implying that we owe them money and how football isn't fair.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how seriously are Wigan taking the Pizza Car Cup this season?
Quite seriously I think. We've mixed it up a bit, but given our 8-point handicap means we're a long way off a title push, the cups seem like a little light relief. We've won it twice before under two of its eighteen different guises, so it'd be nice to get the hat-trick. We can't take it too seriously however, as we laughed at Bolton, calling them tinpot when they won it last year. The big clubs like us are eligible for it now though, so all bets are back on. 8 out of 10.
What’s the weather going to be like at the DW on a Wednesday night in December?
Who knows with global warming? It could be wet and horrible, icy and minus 10, or T-shirt weather. We're all a bit sick of night games; we've had three Saturday games cancelled due to internationals, and with such a young fanbase, there's a dip in crowds for midweek (and drop in income). Obviously, our big white elephant of a stadium is a touch grim and even more soulless on these kind of evenings. Springfield Park with 3,000 in was miles more atmospheric, but hey, that's the price of progress.
Where would be the best place for County fans to get a pint and some grub on a Wednesday night in Wigan?
Wigan Central by the station is a cracking boozer, and if you arrive early enough, Galloways pie shop is directly opposite the station. The Anvil and The Raven are other decent town centre options. The area around the ground is like all new grounds – great for shopping and fast food (Nandos, KFC, Burger King etc) but bugger all else nearby.
Where will you be watching the draw tonight?
I might invite some friends round early evening, get some pizzas in and get loosened up for the big event with a few beers by watching previous EFL Trophy draws. Sorry, I'm lying, I have no friends. I'll probably just watch it pop up on my phone. And knowing we've a home draw takes away most of the anticipation anyway.
Wrexham
This season: 4th in League Two
Average attendance: 10,131
Pizza Car Cup attendances: 7,988 v Newcastle’s kids / 7,870 v Port Vale
Wrexham’s best run: Winners in 2005
County’s last visit: A 3-0 defeat on a miserable Sunday afternoon in May 2022 as Wrexham went top of the National League… momentarily!
Played for both: Peter Ward, Martyn Chalk, Kieron Durkan, Andy Cannon, Wayne Phillips
The locals love: Disney and dragons
Top story in the local news this morning: “Man accused gas engineer of sleeping with his ex – then stabbed him three times”
5️⃣ questions with Tim Edwards from Fearless in Devotion
Who do you want in the draw – County, Barnsley, Lincoln or Burton?
Personally I want Lincoln. They were the last team we played when we were relegated in 2008, so it would be nice to bring that full circle.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how seriously are Wrexham taking the Pizza Car Cup this season?
Parky has the squad depth to have a decent tilt at every competition we're in. The club will obviously want to progress as far as they can in a competition we won in 2005. Do I care for it or another day out at Wembley? Not at all.
What’s the weather going to be like at the Racecourse on a Wednesday night in December?
It’s been unseasonably warm for November, so I have no idea. I'd like to think it will be cold and grim enough we can witness the full power of the new floodlights.
Where would be the best place for County fans to get a pint and some grub on a Wednesday night in Wrexham?
I can't tell you where to go as we're not going to get you. But if the football/Disney gods decide otherwise… still hard to say. The Maesgwyn and The Fat Boar do good food but book ahead, don't be twats and you'll be fine.
Where will you be watching the draw tonight?
The draw doesn't hold the same excitement as the FA Cup still does, so chances are I'll watch it from a coffee shop and order cake when those football gods inevitably take the piss and bring us your lot. Bloody great…
Make a feature out of your stairs
Kingsway Carpets stock a fantastic selection if you’re looking to make a feature out of your stairs. Fitting available in time for Christmas for all types of flooring.
Visit kingsway-carpets.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
Your editor in a Dublin boozer. (Not the reason for last night’s riots, by the way, this is from 2008.)
Today in SK
🎶 DJ
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍟 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm - 2pm.
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. Open till 7.30pm.
🎤 Karaoke
The Alexandra (SK3) with DJ Big Ace. 8pm.
🎸 Live music
Blind Tiger at The Red Bull (SK1). Classic rock, pop and indie covers. 9pm.
The Bridgebeats at The Crown Inn (SK6). 9pm.
Friday Fiesta at TRUNK (SK7). Great company, tasty tapas and flowing drinks – what more could you want? Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
DJ Des
A special shoutout to County’s kids after their 1-0 victory at Leighton Town in the FA Youth Cup last night. Round three sees the young Hatters travel to Everton.
Would you like DJ Des to play a song for your favourite County player, or a friend or family member? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
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